Overview

Directed by Taylor Hackford, this biopic profiles the life of legendary musician Ray Charles. Despite humble beginnings and the loss of his eyesight due to glaucoma at the age of six, Charles, depicted by Jamie Foxx, would nonetheless become an icon in both the music industry and the civil rights era. While the film delves into his problems with drugs and women, the bulk of the story details his career; among the highlights of that career are 12 Grammy awards and 11 R&B chart-toppers, such as "Unchain My ...

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Overview

Directed by Taylor Hackford, this biopic profiles the life of legendary musician Ray Charles. Despite humble beginnings and the loss of his eyesight due to glaucoma at the age of six, Charles, depicted by Jamie Foxx, would nonetheless become an icon in both the music industry and the civil rights era. While the film delves into his problems with drugs and women, the bulk of the story details his career; among the highlights of that career are 12 Grammy awards and 11 R&B chart-toppers, such as "Unchain My Heart," "Hit the Road, Jack," "Georgia," "Doin' the Mess Around," and "Hallelujah I Just Love Her So." Also among the cast are Larenz Tate as Quincy Jones, as well as Regina King, Kerry Washington, and Clifton Powell. Charles' son, Ray Charles Jr. helped produce the film. ~ Tracie Cooper

Editorial Reviews

Barnes & Noble
- Ed Hulse

One of America’s best-loved musicians, the late Ray Charles deserved a big-screen biography that did justice to his incredible life and career -- and he got it, thanks to director Taylor Hackford and star Jamie Foxx. There’s rarely been a biopic that’s done a better job of capturing its subject’s essence, which is why Ray can be forgiven its occasional departures from the historical record. The film doesn’t simply present the hit songs and other professional triumphs, although those are extremely well represented; it delves into the psyche of Ray Charles Robinson, whose destiny was shaped by back-to-back childhood traumas: his brother’s accidental death by drowning, which Ray witnessed; and his sudden descent into blindness a few years later. Driven by his poor but proud mother to succeed despite his handicap, the boy gets an education and becomes a talented musician who eventually carves out an amazing career. Hackford faithfully illuminates scripter James L. White’s biographical narrative, which posits that Ray’s subsequent excesses, including heroin addiction and marital infidelity, sprang from the tremendous guilt he felt for not saving his brother’s life. The film also depicts the difficulty a black musician had in playing white towns during the latter days of the Jim Crow era, which Charles helped end by flexing his increasing cultural muscle. Hackford does not skimp, though, on depicting the spectacular successes that elevated Charles to iconic status, first as a rhythm-and-blues star and then as an innovator who fused R&B and gospel music into soul. The film ends in 1966, but it features many of the songs for which Charles was best known, including “What’d I Say” and “Georgia on My Mind.” Although he’s lip-syncing to the Charles vocal tracks, Foxx perfectly replicates the musician’s stage manner and body language: You’ll swear you’re watching the genuine article in action. Very nearly as good are Kerry Washington as Ray’s long-suffering wife, Della Bea; Regina King as his backup singer and lover Margie Hendricks; Clifton Powell as close friend and business associate Jeff Brown; Curtis Armstrong as record producer Ahmet Ertegun; and Larenz Tate as the young Quincy Jones. The movie doesn’t spare Ray by glossing over his most egregious failings, but it reaches an uplifting climax by showing his recovery from heroin addiction and, more important, his unburdening of the guilt he had long shouldered over his brother’s death. Extraordinarily moving and ultimately inspiring, Ray is among the very best films of this type Hollywood has ever turned out.

All Movie Guide
- Perry Seibert

Taylor Hackford's Ray is at heart little more than a run-of-the mill biopic that hits all the familiar story points for that genre. What keeps this film from becoming totally pedestrian is the fierce, commanding performance of Jamie Foxx. This is not an impersonation of Ray Charles, nor is it a vain attempt to bask in the glow of Charles the celebrity. Foxx finds difficult emotional places to go to, and his Ray Charles is often more interesting than the one Hackford seems to want to tell the audience about. One can believe that these amazing songs are coming from this man, and that may be the biggest compliment one can pay to the performance. That point also leads to the other aspect of the film that keeps it afloat: the superb music. The film was made with Charles' approval, and he allowed the filmmakers to use his original recordings. Had this been a play, a one-man show with the same music, it would make for a fascinating and memorable evening. As he always does, Hackford fills his film with convention after convention, and in doing so, undercuts the real and complicated issues apparent both in Foxx and in the music.

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I Love Jamie Foxx in Ray !!! he's great!

All i can say is that Jamie Fox did a brillant role as the Ray Chales once i watched this movie i really got into it and the fact that i truly love Jamie Foxx he is one of the best male actors slash comedian he was really indeed Ray in the movie such a beautiful and golurous voice that he has this movie is worth the watching why? you ask all because of Jamie Foxx lov ya Jamie ! your the best!

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You must check it out!

This movie was great, it showed the real life of Ray Charles. I loved it. It really touch my heart to find out how bad he suffered and still stood strong. (R.I.P. Ray - You were the best and always will be the best)You made music what it is today.

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Anonymous

Posted October 1, 2010

Exceptional Performance

Jamie Foxx's performance culminated in his winning an Oscar. His portrayal of Ray Charles was uncanny. Sometimes you forget you're watching an actor. This is one of very few movies I'm compelled to own. You should too.

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Anonymous

Posted October 1, 2010

Woow

One thing I thought after watching the movie was, "Wow, Jamie Foxx is an amazing singer!" Finding later on that he had in fact been lipsyncing the whole time just goes to show how amazing Jamie Foxx is in this movie - everything he does, says, acts, and performs IS Ray Charles. Emotional scenes are blunt and unflinchingly painful, and in the end the whole movie is very, very rewarding.

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Anonymous

Posted October 1, 2010

FOXX'S PERFORMANCE WORTH ALL THE ACCOLADES

Jamie Foxx's portrayal of Ray Charles was as inspirational as it gets. Mr. Charles led a difficult life, messing with women and drugs, writing music and performing countless concerts, racial issues, and the disability of being blind. However, Mr. Charles took advantage of his disability and used it to trigger inspiration into incredible music. Ray Charles died while the movie was in production. He would be so proud of Jamie Foxx for his portrayal of him. Jamie Foxx's performance earned him an Oscar and for any fan of Ray Charles, put seeing "Ray" at the top of your to-do list.

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Anonymous

Posted October 1, 2010

Fox Made a Believer Out of Me

I would, before watching Ray, not hesitate to tell you I have never been a fan of Jamie Foxx. I never found his sitcom to be enlightening, nor have I ever chosen to watch many of his latest films, such as Collateral. After watching him creatively and intricately depict the exact model of how I envisioned Ray Charles in a way in which my imagination will forever be stimulated, I will forever give Jamie Foxx a chance. The vocals, wardrobe, imitation, music, posture and gait, facial expressions, and behaviorisms were so perfectly exhibited by Foxx in this film, that, throughout the entire film, I had totally forgotten it was not a documentary of his filmed appearances and such. I would highly recommend this to anyone who has ever given jazz, R&B, gospel, rock and roll, or country a chance. If you do not watch this movie to see a wonderfully portrayed history of one of America's most influential musicians, watch it to hear some of the finest music you will ever hear. And believe me, when you hear it (and there is a LOT in the movie), you will think to yourself, 'Wow!' and 'I didn't know that was Ray Charles's song.' My girlfriend and I have watched it 2 1/2 times already on rental, and I plan to purchase it ASAP. A+++

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Anonymous

Posted October 1, 2010

Sensational Movie

'Ray' was a great movie. I will purchase it and watch it again. Jamie Fox did an outstanding job in his role as Ray Charles. And now the academy awards have been presented,we know how well it did. Super movie, super acting, don't miss this one. !!!

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Anonymous

Posted October 1, 2010

worth its weight in gold

A story of triumph and one that will keep your mind churning well after the 2 hours and 33 minutes are gone..... well done i am 20 and got plenty out of this film

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Anonymous

Posted October 1, 2010

Miraculous Ray!!!!

The movie was awesome. I hope and pray that Jamie Fox receives the Oscar and Ray will win for best picture. It was a touching, funny, emotional, entertaining movie. I learned things about Ray Charles life I never knew he has been through. He lived a roller coaster life and he survived. Jamie Fox played Ray Charles very well, I felt as if I was watching Ray Charles acting out his life. I watched the movie twice and I will buy it on DVD soon.

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Anonymous

Posted October 1, 2010

Unbelievable

The performance Jamie Foxx gives as Ray Charles is something that is rarely done in film - the character is so compelling that you forget that there is actually an actor portraying them.

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Anonymous

Posted October 1, 2010

wonderful

Jaime Foxx did an incredible job, I was extremely impressed by his portrayal of Ray Charles.

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Anonymous

Posted October 1, 2010

BUY THIS!!!!!!!!!!!

Jamie Foxx is remarkable as Ray Charles. I had to stop and remind myself that the man on the screen was NOT Ray Charles himself! Absolutely amazing!

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Anonymous

Posted October 1, 2010

Deserves an Oscar -one for Jamie Foxx and one for the movie itself.

Foxx shines! Wonderful work by Jamie Foxx and he makes Ray's life a story to be told indeed. Heartbreaking at times, joyful at times and above all, an honest portrayal of the life of a man who added so much to American Music. Ray Charles overcame so much hardship and rose to icon status in my eyes and the eyes of others.

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Anonymous

Posted October 1, 2010

Wonderful, exciting, awe inspiring

I loved this movie!!!! Iam a movie buff and this is a must have in my collection.

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Anonymous

Posted October 1, 2010

but deserved 10 stars........................

what a brilliant, miraculous film, from start to finish! jamie foxx is truly a revelation here, as are regina king, and a cast that's brilliant from start to finish. and oh, the music-it's one legend after another, with all the joy, and heartbreak in between. i've watched both the theatrical version, and the extended version-both leave you breathless! kudos to taylor hackford for making a 15 year dream come true, and to mca for giving us the definitive dvd of this new year! from picture quality, to awesome ac-3 digital sound, it is a triumph. this is one, my friends, you've got to own, watch it again and again, and cherish the excitement and it's brilliance.

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Anonymous

Posted October 1, 2010

Doesn't get any better than this

This movie is top-notch. Everything about it was great.

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Anonymous

Posted October 1, 2010

Wonderful

Ray is an outstanding movie. Jamie Foxx did a wonderful job.

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Anonymous

Posted October 1, 2010

Oscar Winning Movie!!!

'Ray' was one of the best movie of 2004. Jamie Foxx showed deep emotions of how Ray Charles lived his life in the public and personally. To me, when watching this movie, you're absorbed into it. In my opinion, an Oscar winning picture.

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Anonymous

Posted October 1, 2010

i can see why ray himself picked jamie!

all i can say is wow! the acting in this movie was brilliant! i can really see why ray charles picked jamie personally to play him in the movie. i wish he would've lived long enough to see the final result! the movie itself could've been a *little* better but i did learn alot about him. i truly enjoyed this film.

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Anonymous

Posted October 1, 2010

Good Biopic

This movie could have been better but the acting saved it from being horrible. Jamie Fox was really good. He really got over his slump that started after the 3rd season of his television show. I would say that Ray himself would have liked it if he could see it.

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